Gas and vapor measuring apparatus



Nov. 18, 1952 w. J. WILLENBORG 2,618,150

GAS AND VAPOR MEASURING APPARATUS MK@ MM Nov. 18, 1952 W. J. WILLNBORG GAS AND VAPOR MEASURING APPARATUS 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 Filed Sept. 25, 1947 NVENTOR. Waite/L J WL'Ze/zoy Patented Nov. 18, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT QFFICE GAS .AND VAPORMEASURING ABPARATUS Walter J. Willenborg, Weehawken, N. 1I., assignor 'to JahezfBurns & Sons, Inc.,`New York,iN. Y., a corporation 'of'Njew York Application-September 25, 1947, SerialNo. y776,036

circuit change their relative resistance vin respense `to .change vof :the thermal Aconductivity:of thagases Aorivaporszto which the-resistors are-subjected. Such -a-meth0d is disclosed in my prior vPatentNo. 2,255,551 `grantedSeptember 9, 1941. The .othermethodfis based'on the changeinheatling "of :the .resistor-in .a yWheatstone#bridge A.cirfcuit due :to Vthe 'catalytic vaction :on .the .resistor 'which varies accordingto :thefchaznge'of thecom- `position Aof :the gases :or :vapors fSuch/a method isfdisclcsed in my pending applicationjserial No. "678,556, filed June 22,1946. However, onemethod is applicable for the. detectionxand measurement of 'certain gases and vapors, While ythe other is similarly applicable to Vother :gases and vapors. -For. example, tthe presence lof fcarbonfclioXide, ,nitrogen, oxygen, carb'on'monoxide, etc. Laremost `readily .detected 'by the :thermal .conduction .imethod, whereas flammable gases iand tvapor's, such .as ethylene, gasoline, alcohol, butane, .methane, propane, hexane, `pentane etc. :in 'the pres- -ence of oxygen .are .most readily determined by .Ithe catalytic method. .Hydrogen maybe detected A.easily v:by either '.method It is .apparent that :it I'would be highly 'desirable :to .provide .axcell `as- .sembly 'and-.responsive:indicatingand :control A.api paratus :that :wouldbe Aadaptable for use :for :all such :gases .and '.vapors. Moreover, vthere'are .vari- Vous :gases .and vapors .Where the simultaneous luse rof both fmethods yis needed Eforproper.detection '.andiprotection. '5F01- f example, in 'fthe 4use of bu- Itane vor propane for combustion, 'it yis .desirable vito' know-andy adjustifor proper 'combustion-effici- :ency .and likewise to .determine and protect '.againstdangerous concentration vof .gasesfandwafpors. 'The fthermal :conduction Ymethod is iwell Vadapted "fior ldetermining .combustion .efficiency 'whereas .the :catalytic lmethod is well adapted-for .determining Adangerous concentrations. andr their 'approachthereta lof these-fgasesfandfvapors .when :mixed with-air or `oxygen. 'In `thelattercase the change o'f thermal'conductivity Vof 'the gases and vaporsfis nothigh .enough "tohavemuch ef- `fect on the thermal conductive -itesistorsorfelements. There are l'numerous*instances `where'the .change in the' composition of the gases andvva- "the inner vend fof -recess 3. ltwo zother :recesses 3a and "16a `Whichlare closed .against :the fpa'ssage .1.2 :andare `sealed iatitheir outer ends.y by. insulating disks :ld and lze :through which pass leads V...to: fsupportjand :supply :current v.to y.the-resistors 4a and .5arespectively. Y,The cell Dors under variable-conditions is such thatboth methods .of vdetection and measurement are required.

The presentinvention accomplishes this result in a unitary vvstructure and combines .the two methods to Agive vthedesired detection, indication and measurement and also, vwhere desired,

`effects the control .of alarms, signals, adjustments, shut-cris and the like .according tothe particular requirements. The invention 4is applicable not only to various types 0f combustion systems Ylout to .various chemical processes, ,pro tection against undesirable concentrationfofgases and vapors in rooms, holds Offshipssand soon, as -well as many otherfinstances.

One object of the present invention .is to-provide a combined .methodand unitary assembly which will beresponsive to both the thermal con- ,.duetive or conduction method and to the catalytic method, or toreither of them. Another Objectis to givea common .indication and'measurement of the conditionof the gases-and vapors detected.

Anotherobject is to ,combine controls therewith which will respond at or near `predetermined conditions to 4actuate alarmssignals,shut-downs, purging means andfso forth forl protection against .the approach to undesirable L(,:onclitions of the vgases and vapors. Other objects and advantages will be understood from the following `'descrip- Ation-and accompanyingdrawings which-Snowparticular applications-of the invention as illustrative.

Fig. 1 is a'diagramshowing'the detectingu-responsive and controlling Aapparatus in oneiap- .plication of the invention; .and;Fig. i2 is vfadia- ,gram showing-a modification fof Va lportion Of-:the

apparatus.

Referring .toFig 1-the detectingcellor analyyzer yof the .vapors and .gases lto be ,detectedg'is lshown formedof atmetal or other heat-.conducting block .I n having an .opening .12, passing-through it lengthwise. .Two recesses .'3 .and v.6 .are :formed in the block whichcommunicate with the passage`2` at vtwo ends of the recesses and ares'ealed at their outer ends by disks lb andlcoffinsulating materialthrough which pass leads which vsupport and supply Ycurrent `to the lresistiveielevments or-resistorsdland 5 within the'recesses. fA metal screen '1 of-a ne mesh -is -shown covering The block also 4has unit or block is positioned or connected with an enclosure 8 so as to have a sample of the atmospheric content of the enclosure S pass through the passage 2 of cell block, as by means of pipe connections 9 and a blower I5. Three-way valves I2 and I5 in the pipe connections 5 are indicated as set for permitting this flow. A blower Ill connected from the pipe 9 to the outside atmosphere serves to purge the enclosure 8 when the threeway valve I6 is positioned to connect the enclosure with the blower I. An air aspirating bulb I3 serves to pass outside air through passage 2 by positioning the three-way valve I2 for the purpose. The three-way valve I 6 must be set to allow flow through the pipe II and blower Ill when air is passed through passage 2.

The resistive conductor i is in the form of a bare wire or filament which may zig-zag, coiled or straight and is of a material which has a catalytic action when suiiiciently heated in the presence of gasoline or alcohol vapors, ethylene, hydrogen and the like or any mixture containing even slight amounts of such ammable gases or vapors in the presence of oxygen.

In order to obtain this catalytic action for detection purposes the temperature of the lilament or resistive conductor must be maintained by proper means at a temperature of at least 85 C., and the action increases with increasing temperature of the conductor. But the temperature should be kept below that at which the filament glows. For this reason, as a special safety precaution, the open end of recess 3 may be covered by the wire screen 'I to reduce the lire hazard in case the lament should ever become heated to a glowing temperature. However, there is a wide range of safe operating temperatures below the glow temperature and above 85 C. For example, in the case of platinum the temperature at which it will begin to glow is about 425 C.; and a similar wide range exists for other adaptable metals. VThe catalytic action increases in the presence of flammable gases or vapors with any increase in their presence in any mixture with air or other oxygen containing gases. The catalytic action due to such presence heats lthe filament or resistive conductor and this increase in temperature further increases the resistance of the lament or resistive conductor. It follows that a suflicient change of temperature of the catalyst filament may occur under comparatively small increases of iiammable gasair mixtures and thereby be made to respond with a high degree of sensitivity. The size and length of the resistor or filament and the temperature at which it will be maintained for detection will depend upon the material of the lilament, the vapors or gases to be detected and the limit in their percentage in air before an alarm or responsive control takes place. The resistor 4 may be made of platinum, palladium, rhodium, and other suitable metals or various` alloys thereof. This resistor forms one part of a Wheatstone bridge circuit.

As to the iilament of resistor 4a, this is sealed from any contact with the vapors or gases and is consequently unaiected thereby and forms another part of the bridge circuit as later will be explained. It may be different in size and material from the filament 4 but is preferably made the same in these respects for the best results, and serves in the bridge circuit to compensate for changes in ambient temperatures of the cell unit and to balance any change in the temperature of the iilament 4 due to ambient temperature responsive changes.

Filament 5 is a thermal conductive element and is a resistive conductor or resistor forming another part of the bridge circuit and is in the form of a bare wire which may be zig-zag, coiled or straight and is of a material such as tungsten, covar, or other suitable metals, or alloys thereof, which does not have a catalytic action as does filament 4. However, platinum may be used for this filament 5, and possibly other metals which also may be used for filament provided the temperature of the filament 5 is kept below that at which any appreciable catalytic action may occur. Filament 5a is sealed from any contact with the vapors or gases and consequently is unaffected thereby and forms another part of the bridge circuit, as later will be explained. It may be different in size and material from filament 5 but is preferably made the same for best results so as to serve in the bridge circuit to compensate for changes in ambient temperatures of the cell unit and balance any change in the temperature of the iilament 5 due to ambient temperature changes.

In detecting the presence of gases or vapors by the thermal method, the two resistors fl and 5 both have their effect in the detection thermally by reason of the fact that the relative resistance of these elements is different in order to secure a deflection and indication by the galvanometer. However, in the presence of fiammable gases or vapors and oxygen, the resistor 4 then acts catalytically and gives a deflection and indication accordingly, due to the fact that the catalytic action heats the resistor 4 considerably beyond any change of resistance due to the thermal conductive effect. That is, both elements 4 and 5 function according to the thermal method of detection in cooperation with each other, whereas the element 4 responds only according to the catalytic method of detection.

A uni-directional current source 23 of low voltage, such as six volts, supplies current through a main switch 23a to the bridge circuit and passes from the positive side of the source through intervening connections to the wire ISb and to the adjustable contact I8a of a slide wire resistor I8. Current then passes through a portion of this resistor, then through the resistor 5a and then through resistor 5 to the junction Il, forming one side of the bridge circuit. Current also passes through the other portion of the resistor I8, through resistor da and then through resistor 4 to the junction I'I, forming the other side of the bridge circuit. From the junction I'I the current returns to the other side of the source 23 through an ammeter ZI and an adjustable resistor 22. The slide wire adjustment is for properly proportioning the current between the two sides of the bridge circuit for initial galvanometer setting. The current in the side containing the resistors 4 and 4a is made greater than that in the side containing the resistors 5 and 5a. The normal value of current in the side 4 and lla is made such that the catalytic acting resistor Il is heated to a temperature of at least C. and belowv the temperature at which it glows for the reasons already explained. The value of the current in the thermal responsive resistor 5 is such that its temperature is always well below 85 C. as it does not have any catalytic action.

An indicating galvanometer I9 has its terminals connected to the junction 26 between the resistors 5 and 5a and the junction 21 between resistors! :and 14a 'of thebridgecircuit and thus reects any-difference in potential between lthese junctions A vcontact Ygalvanometer l261| lis con- -nected in parallel with the other galvanometer between the junctions v2t and 21. The movable "vane r4ofthe galvanometer 20 vcarries a contact :c adapted to engage fixed contacts 23a or 'Zlibr lunder-Iprede'termined conditions when-moved in Vopposite `directions ffrom its mid-position. The 'fixed-contacts are adjustable for the purpose of being-engaged 'by the l'contact i280 under desired predetermined conditions. This 'galvanometer is #provided ;.wi'th va winding 20d Awhich when energized. acts on the vane c'to reset it at an in- Itermediatetposition afterengagement with either fof'the Vfixed contacts. 'Such .an instrument is commercially available.

This :cell unit with its elements connected in the bridge .circuit in the manner already ex- 4`plained,iprovidesa combined assembly which vwill detect-and indicate and measure the presenceof gases and vapors by both the catalyticmethod land vthermal conductive method, givingl a vcumu- Ilati-ve :indication Vand Ameasurement when "both methods areactive and likewisean indication and 'measurement when either one of the methods is active-'without the other being active, lin accordance withthecharacter ofthe gases and vapors `Whichfare-analyzed. vUndernormal and desirable "operating'conditions in 'any process, the vane of I'thelga'lvanometer "IB will assume a deflected posivtion .from the zero reading which may be indiycated 'on the dial as the normal position for a `particular use. Any departure from the normal operating condition'will causethe vane to be deliiected fromithe normal position and indicate and -'mea'su're `theextent of such departure and thus Y-inform the 'operator that corrective adjustments :must be imade. The vane is adjusted to assume `the -zero or central position when air is passed `o've'r':the'iilaments or resistors@ and.

'For example, let it be assumed that/a lburner fisfsupplie'd with propane as afuel. The products of combustion will then be readily analyzed by -the thermal conduction method, 'and indicate 'whether the -best combustion eiiiciency is being pbtainedfand'whether vtoo rich'or too lean -a mixture is being used. The galvanometervane will :move from the zero position to the right when the combustion gases are of a proper vmixture. :Any abnormal increasevin the presence of unburnt z'gases, fsuch ias hydrogen, carbon monoxide, etc. A'vvilL -due to their comparatively high thermal lfconductivity, decrease the temperature of the reisistors 54 and 5 'in-different degrees by absorbing --heat 'therefrom as compared with a normal de- "sirable condition of the combustion products. '/'llheilowe'red temperatures of the resistors 4 and 5 twilld'ecreas'e l'their resistances because such resisters have a positive'temperature coefficient of resistance. The lowered relative change of re- :sistancefofresistors 4 and 5 will lowerithe potential-:of the 'junction point A25 of the bridge 'circuit :relatively-tothe function point -2'1 andcause'the vane Yof the ffgalvanometer I 9 to Abe deflected to -thelleftropposite to thenormal'c'ombustion condi- Itionin`dication vto-a'n extent depending upon the y:departure from-thevnormal condition of the 'com- 'bust/ion products. .If 'the departure fromnormal --i'smarked, it Will indicate the approachtoward :a idangerous condition should the gases become mixed :with air. If howeventhe propane vflame should become extinguished, resulting in no prod- -zu'cts of combustion, but only in a .mixture of propane and Sar yin Athe combustion chamber,

tions and to avoid .possible explosions.

passed over the resistors f4 and E.

whic'zhlbecomes dangerous :as :the .per *cent :by

volume of propane in air increases, Athe catalytically acting resistor now 'functionsand becomes heated above its normal temperature by Ythecatavlytic action. This increases its resistance because such resistors'have a positive temperaturefcoeicient of 'resistance and raises the potential of the junction Vpoint $21 Arelatively to that of junction point 126. This causes the vane of Y'the galvanometer t9 to be deflected tothe left opposite to the normal combustion indication to Va degree vdepending upon the `percentage presence of propane. When a predetermined limitv reading of galvanometer I9 is reached which Wouldzshow an approach to va dangerous condition, galvanometer 20 being in lparallel lwith galvanometer t9, the vane 2 0c will engage the contact 20a to cause the safety functions to operate as explained below. If a condition arises where unburnt gases, :such

las hydrogen and carbon monoxide, 'are present ous 'chemical operations when abnormal `conditions .may approach dangerous conditions which require correction to improve operating condi- Also -.the inventionis applicable 'to give a constant indication of the condition of theigases in -anyvlocation and to indicate the degree of departure from normal.

The galvanometers are calibratedaccording'to the particular gases and vapors to be detected and protected against and such gases and vapors Aare known for any :particular type of system or process. The zero reading of the galvanometers is indicated when air is passed over the resistors Il and .5 and the currents in the two branches ofthe bridge circuit are made such, by adjustment of the contact I8a, that the temperature of th'eth'ermally responsive resistor d is low relatively to that'of the heated catalytically responsive resistor y5, the temperature of the llatter being atleast C. and below'the vglowing temperature. Mixtures-ofthe various output gases and'vapors to be guarded against are made up and successively These mixtures are of such proportions of the gases and vapors that they approach the dangerous condition vto be v'guarded against. The galvanometer vanes will 'be deflected to the left of the zero Lpoint to positions which indicate theapproach to a dangerous condition. The 'fixed contact '20a of the contact galvanometer isthen adjustedto a-posi- 4tion such that it will be engaged by the vane when the mixture causing the least deflection of the vane is passed Vover the resistors. This insures operation of the controls Ywhen the mixturelappreaching Ya'dangerous ,condition causes the least 'deflection and will, ofcourse, likewise'c'ause Athe controls to operate for all other mixtures which would cause a greater deflection, although 'the presence of such other` mixtures mightnot appreach such a dangerous condition as the mixture Scausin'g the least deflection. Thus protection against allmixturesto be guarded against is-provided 4for; also `the galvan'ometer Il@ fw'ill at yal1 times indicate desirable operating conditions by movement of the vane to the right and show the approach to a dangerous condition by movement of the vane to the left.

It is likewise desirable to apply this combined cell and bridge assembly to effect the control of any desired devices such as alarms, valves, switches and the like for avoiding explosions and any improper operation of a process or apparatus. Fig. 1 shows as an example one such application. It will be understood that in various mixtures of gases and vapors, there may be some mixtures that act on the cell unit according to the thermal method only, some that act according to the catalytic method only, some that act according to both methods in variable degrees and some having no appreciable effect at all. However, in applying the invention to any particular case, it is usually known what gases or vapors are to be guarded against in undesirable amounts; and the use of this invention will detect and measure the presence of such gases and vapors; and in unknown mixtures will show the presence or absence of certain undesired gases and vapors of the character described.

Referring to Fig. 1, a relay having a winding 30 is shown which, when energized, will attract its two movable contacts 33a and 39o from the position shown to engage other contacts. The

contact 39h in the position shown engages a xed Y contact which is connected to an audible alarm 3l and to a red signal lamp 32. The other terminals of these warning devices are shown connected to the plus side of the source 23. The relay winding 30 has one of its terminals connected through a resistor 33 to the negative side of the source. Its other terminal is connected to a contact of a two-way push button switch 34 and to the movable contact 30a which forms a holding circuit for the relay when energized. The fixed contacts 20a and 201) of the contact galvanometer are connected to the movable contact 30a, as is likewise the adjustable contact Isa of the slide wire resistor. The reset coil or winding 23d of the contact galvanometer is connected on one side to the negative side of the source and on the other side to a contact of the push button switch 34.

Another relay has a winding 35 connected at one terminal to a contact of the switch 34 and to its movable contact 35a which when the winding is energized forms a maintaining circuit. The other terminal of the winding 35 is connected through a resistor 36 to a contact of the relay 30. short-circuit and deenergize the winding 35. A green lamp bulb 38 is connected in the circuit of the contacts of the two relays, as is likewise the winding 39 of a solenoid adapted to open a valve E when energized. The circuit'connections of the parts will be understood by the following description of the mode of Operation.

Fig. l shows the parts in non-operative positions. In starting, the switch 23a is rst closed. This merely closes the circuit of the alarm 3| and red lamp 32 by a connection from the positive side of the source through the alarm and lamp, through the movable Contact 38h to the negative side of the source. However, the switch 34 is then moved momentarily to its upper position to l connect the upper three xed contacts together. lThis energizes the relay winding 33 by a circuit from the positive side of the source to the upper right-hand contact of switch 34, through the switch to middle upper contact, then through the A push button switch 31 when depressed will winding 30 land resistor 33 to the negative side of the source. The movable contacts 30a and 30h are then attracted, opening the circuit'of the alarm and of the red lamp by the movement of contact 39h and closing a holding circuit of the relay by a circuit from positive through contact 30a, winding 30 and resistor 33 to negative. The closing cf contact 36a causes current to be supplied to the bridge circuit from positive line through contact 30a to contact Ia and through the bridge circuit in the manner already explained to the ammeter 2l and resistor 22 to the negative line. The closing of switch 313 to its upper position also excites the resetting coil d of the contact galvanometer which releases its vane from engagement with either of its xed contacts in case it was so engaged, this circuit being from positive through switch 34 to its upper left-hand contact, coil 20d and then to negative. The switch 34 may now be released from its upper position and the bridge circuit will continue to function.

The switch 33 is next moved momentarily to its lower position. This energizes the relay winding 35 by a circuit from positive through the lower contacts of switch 34, through winding 35, resistor 36 and contact Sb now closed, to negative. Contact 35a now closes a holding circuit of relay 35 by a circuit from positive through contact 35a, winding 35, resistor 36 and contact 30h to negative. The excitation of winding 35 also closes a circuit through the green lamp 38 and also through winding 39 by a circuit from positive, through contact 35a, then through the green lamp and winding 39 in parallel to contact 30h and to negative. The excitation of winding 39 will open or close a valve 40 as the case may be, or cause actuation of a switch or other device for maintaining normal operation of any system or process as long as the winding 39 is energized. It will be understood that the function of the device 4U may be to obtain any desired control depending upon the condition of the gases and vapors as analyzed by the cell and bridge circuit.

The apparatus is now assumed to be functioning in a normal manner and the reading of the galvanometer I9 will show the presence and extent of the various gases and vapors as determined by the thermal conductive and catalytic methods of detection.

Now let it be assumed that the presence of such gases and vapors have increased in the enclosure 3 due to gradual accumulation, or to the process conducted therein or connected therewith, to such an extent that they show an improper condition or improper operation, or the approach to a dangerous condition. The vane of the contact galvanometer will then be moved so far as to engage contact 26a. This will short-circuit the relay 'winding 30 by a connection from its upper terminal to the vane and contact 23o, and contact 23h to the lower terminal. This deenergizing of the winding causes its movable contacts to assume the position shown in Fig. 1. This will obviously pass current through the audible signal 3| and red lamp 32 by the contact 3312 and thus inform the operator. It will also open by the contact a the circuit to the Wheatstone bridge and to the resistors ofthe cell unit and thus avoid the overheating of the resistor .4 to a glow. It will also open by the contact 30h the circuit of the winding of that relay which will then release its contact 35a and cause the opening of the circuit to the green lamp 38 and to the winding 39. The winding 39 then releases its plunger or armature to,v control L the: devicev 40; to` shut down a; gas. orl

The push. button switch 31 is .provided for-permitting thedeenergizing of'the relay winding'35' during operating conditions andthereby-opening The.

thecircuitof the lamp 38 and winding 39. momentary pressing" of this push. button short,- circuits: theterrninalsi of the Winding 3,5. which thenl releases contact135a andiI opens its holdingV circuit.. The purpose. of this use1of the push button.3.1 isto permit the closing'of the valve 40 or the'.y control of such other device, for stoppage, or repairs or adjustments without the. necessity of interrupting the bridgedetector. circuitor interfering; with. the warningV controlV byA the; contacty galvanometer of its circuit. When itis desired to again.actuate'thedevice Mlzby the winding 39, the switch 3.4:is moved momentarily to engage its lowercontacts which controls they relay winding 35fto attract its contact 35a and energize winding 39 and lampV 3.8; in the manner already described.

Itshouldbe noted that When the contact galvanometer'vane engages the contactZlla at some predetermined undesirablecondition of the gases andvapors, not only arethe, relays controlled to give an; alarm and signal indications and automatic operation of the device 40, but the current to the-,bridge circuit is' discontinued. This avoids,

as: already'stated, the possible excessive heating of Athecatalytic resistor 4 to a glowing temper-ature which if allowed to continue might cause ignition of jthegases: and vapors, although the screen 1 reduces such a hazard. In case any one ofthe resistorsin the bridge circuit should become defective, it would so unbalance, the bridge circuit astocause the vane of the contact galvanometer to engagefeitherthe .contact 2'a vor 2.017, dependingfupon which resistor becomes defective. This would cause'operation of the controls in the man-v nerfalready described and prevent ycontinued operation of the bridgecircuit until the defectiveresistor becomes replaced.

InFig: 1 .the cell block'is subjected to the gases andvapors to be tested by a forced now from the enclosure, 8;and is outside the enclosure. In many cases; the: cell block4 may be y.inserted within the enclosure, room, hull of a ship or within any space desired'wheredetection is to be determined.' Fig.

2` shows'the cell block introduced'within an en.A

closure. or. compartment 4I.. Here the gases and vapors'vfithin the enclosurediffuse through both ends ofthe opening 2 in the cell block l and affect the resistors of iilaments A and 5f in the-same manner as` previously described. The parts of Fig. 2 corresponding'with those of Fig. l are desighatedv by the same referencecharacters and will be understood as being connected in the indicating and control circuits in the same mannery as in Fig. 1..

The enclosure 4| may be a closed or. ventilated compartment according tov conditions or to the manufacturing process used. Ventilating openings G2, and i3 are shown in the enclosurefwhen the compartment is not of the closed type. A blower lilly is shown positioned within the co m. partment which may bev located at any desirable placefor circulation of the gas and vapor mixture in order to maintain a uniform vcondition ofthe 10 mixture; andv to: avoid concentration'` of gases; and, vapors particular locationsgorpockets.

Although particular embodimentsof' thisV inverntion have beendisclosed, itwill be understood that various modifications' maybe made for adaptation to particular requirements without departing from the scope. thereof. Itis obviousthat; the device *40 may b e avalve which, is automatically closed when the relay Winding-39 is energizedinf. stead of beingopened' as described andthe device 40 may be a switch automatically openedorclosed, or any other form of" actuated device forsecuring the desired operation accordingV to therequired function ofsuch; aA deviceJ when; incorpo rated in any processor apparatus.

I'claim:

l.. A cell unit-.for subjection to thegpassage of; gases and vapors to betested'- comprising aresistorr whosel resistanceis affected by change in. the; thermal conductivity ofthe gases, and vapors. and; a resistor whose; resistance is affected ata tem: perature ofat least; C. and'below its glowing temperature by the catalyticA action of; the-gases; and vapors thereon, a `bridge Vcircuit in which said resistors arev connectedy in different legs thereof.

and indicatingy means' connected to said bridge',

circuit for giving a cumulative indication of ther change of: resistance of said resistors.,

2; A cell unit for subjection to the passage ogf gases and: vaporsv to be` tested comprising'a; resistor whoseresistance is affected' by change, in. the thermalconductivity ofA thefgases and vapors and a resistor whosel resistance is affectedl ata temperature ci at least 85 C. andv belowits g1oW- ing temperature by the catalytic action ofthe gases and vaporsY thereon. and also comprising; resistorswhich are notexposed.v toV thegases andv vapors for; compensating for f ambient.V changes` in temperature, of.' the cell unit, a bridge crcuitin which said resistors; are connected in diierent legsthereof, and indicatingmeans connected to said bridge circuit forgiving a 'cumulative `indi-.-V cation of the change` of,i resistance of said rst two named resistors;

3. Apparatus for detectingthe presence of cer;- tain gases. and vapors comprising a source of" current, a bridge circuit` supplied with current from said source, at; least two resistors in the bridge circuit, at least-one-of said' resistors being subjected" to; the gases andv vapors andY whose resistance isy affected by change inthe thermal conductivity of the gases andvapors, theother of,v said tworesstors being'subjected tothe gases.;

and vaporsA andwhose resistance is aiected. at a temperatureu of` at least; 8.5?" C. and below its glowing; temperature by the catalytic action ofthev gasesand vapors thereon, and; indicating' means connected to the bridge circuit, aiected cumulatively by change of resistance of said tvvoresistors.v

4*. Apparatus for detecting the presence of cer,- tain gases and vapors comprisingv a. sourceA of' current, a bridge circuit supplied with current. from said source, at least two resistors in. the bridge-circuit, atleast-one of said resistors being subjected to the gases and vapors and whose resistance-is affected by change inthe thermal conductivity or the gases and vapors, the othery of said two resistors being subjected to the gases and vapors and whose resistancev is affected'V at a temperature of` at least 85 C. and below; its glowing temperature by the catalytic action of the gases and vapors thereon, and. indicating means connected tothe bridge circuit affected cumulatively byy changeof resistanceof said two resistors,v said two resistors beingr connected relatively. tov

each other in the bridge circuit to give a cumulative indication by said indicating means when said two resistors respond to increase in the presence of said certain gases and vapors.

5. Apparatus for detecting the presence of certain gases and vapors comprising a source of current, a bridge circuit supplied with current from said source, at least two resistors in the bridge circuit, at least one of said resistors being subjected to the gases and vapors and whose resistance is aected by change in the thermal conductivity7 of the gases and vapors, the other of said two resistorsbeing subjected to the gases and vapors and whose resistance is affected at a temperature of at least 85 C. and below its glowing temperature by the catalytic action of the gases and vapors thereon, indicating means connected to the bridge circuit affected cumulatively by change of resistance of said two resistors, and means connected to the bridge circuit for normally passing more current through the said catalytically responsive resistor than through the said thermally responsive resistor.

6. Apparatus for detecting the presence of certain gases and vapors comprising a source of current, a bridge circuit supplied with current from said source, at least two resistors in the bridge circuit, at least one of said resistors being subjected to the gases and vapors and whose resistance is aiected by change in the thermal conductivity of the gases and vapors, the other of said two resistors being subjected to the gases and vapors and whose resistance is affected at a temperature of at least 85 C. and below its glowing temperature by the catalytic action of the gases and vapors thereon, indicating means connected to the bridge circuit aiected cumulatvely by change of resistance of said two resistors, and means connected to the bridge circuit for normally heating the said catalytically responsive resistor to a higher temperature than the temperature of the said thermally responsive resistor.

7. Apparatus for detecting the presence of certain gases and vapors comprising a source of current, a bridge circuit supplied with current from said source, at least two resistors in the bridge circuit, at least one of said resistors being subjected to the gases and vapors and whose resistance is affected by change in the thermal conductivity of the gases and vapors, the other of said two resistors being subjected to the gases and vapors and whose resistance is aiected at a temperature of at least 85 C. and below its glowing temperature by the catalytic action of the gases and vapors thereon, indicating means :f

connected to the bridge circuit aiected cumulatively by change of resistance of said two resistors, and means connected to the bridge circuit for insuring the temperature of the said catalytically responsive resistor to be normally at a temperature of at least 85 C. and below the glowing temperature.

8. Apparatus for detecting the presence of certain gases and vapors comprising a source of current, a bridge circuit supplied with current from said source, at least two resistors in the bridge circuit, at least one of said resistors being subjected to the gases and vapors and whose resistance is affected by change in the thermal conductivity of the gases and vapors, the other of said two resistors being subjected to the gases and vapors and whose resistance is aiected 'at a temperature of at least 85 C. and below its glowing temperature by the catalytic action of the gases and vapors thereon, and indicating means connected to the bridge circuit `aii'ected cumulatively by change of resistance of said two resistors, said resistors being mounted in a single cell unit for exposure to said gases and vapors.

9. Apparatus for detecting the presence of certain gases and vapors comprising a source of current, a bridge circuit supplied with current from said source, at least two resistors in the bridge circuit, at least one of said resistors being subjected to the gases and vapors and whose resistance is affected by change in the thermal conductivity of the gases and vapors, the other of said two resistors being subjected to the gases and vapors and whose resistance is affected at a temperature of at least C. and below its glowing temperature by the catalytic action of the gases and vapors thereon, and indicating means connected to the bridge circuit affected cumulatively by change of resistance of said two resistors, said resistors being mounted in a single cell unit having a passage therethrough for passing Said gases and vapors to said resistors.

10; Apparatus for detecting the presence of certain gases and vapors comprising a source of current, a bridge circuit supplied with current from said source, two resistors in one leg of the bridge circuit, one of said resistors being subjected to the gases and vapors and whose resistance is aiTected by change in thermal conductivity of the gases and vapors, two resistors in another leg of the bridge circuit, one of said last named resistors being subjected to the gases and vapors and whose resistance is affected at a temperature of at least 85 C. and below its glowing temperature by the catalytic action of the gases and vapors thereon, said thermally responsive resistor and said catalytically responsive resistor being both connected in the bridge circuit to the same side of said source, and indicating means connected to the bridge circuit affected by change of resistance of said two responsive resistors.

11. Apparatus for detecting the presence of certain gases and vapors comprising a source of current, a bridge circuit supplied with current from said source, at least two resistors in the bridge circuit, at least one of said resistors being subjected to the gases and vapors and whose resistance is affected by change in the thermal conductivity of the gases and vapors, the other of said two resistors being subjected to the gases and vapors and whose resistance is affected at a temperature of at least 85 C. and below its glow ing temperature by the catalytic action of the gases and vapors thereon, and means aiected cumulatively by change of resistance of said resistors for automatically cutting off the supply of current to said bridge circuit upon the presence of said certain gases and vapors attaining a predetermined amount.

12. Apparatus for detecting the presence of certain gases and vapors comprising a source of current, a bridge circuit supplied with current from said source, at least two resistors in the bridge circuit, at least one of said resistors being subjected to the gases and vapors and whose resistance is affected by change in the thermal conductivity of the gases and vapors, the other of said two resistors being subjected to the gases and vapors and whose resistance is aiected at a temperature of at least 85 C. and below its glowing temperature by the catalytic action of the gases and vapors thereon, a controlled device, and means affected cumulatively by change of resistance of said resistors for automatically controlling said device upon the presence of said 13 gases and vapors attaining a predetermined Number amount. 1,955,897 WALTER J. WILLENBORG. 2,204,966 2,372,530 REFERENCES CITED 5 2,441,677

The following references are of record in the le of this patent. Number UNITED STATES PATENTS 250,478 Number Name Date 10v 7301504 1,302,871 Spice May 6, 1919 Name Date Vertucc' Apr. 24, 1934 Morgan et al June 18, 1940 Sommermeyer Mar. 27, 1945 Stallsmith May 18, 1948 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain Apr. 15, 1926 France Aug. 17, 1932 

